DNA Methyltransferase & Demethylase Assays

DNA methyltransferases, or DNMTs, catalyze DNA methylation by adding methyl groups to the 5-carbon position of the cytosine ring, resulting in 5-methylcytosine. The various types of DNMTs are responsible for the maintenance and establishment of DNA methylation patterns. The ten-eleven translocation, or TET, family of 5-mC hydroxylase enzymes including TET1 are responsible for oxidizing 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Measuring DNMT and TET amounts, activity, and inhibition levels will allow us to better understand the relationships between cytosine, 5-methylcytosine, and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine as part of the DNA methylation and DNA demethylation cycle.